7 p.m., May 28, 2005--Here are some facts about the University of Delaware’s 156th Commencement, held May 28 in Delaware Stadium:

Opening the ceremony is the alumni procession, which includes representatives from classes of the 1930s through 2004, representing all segments of alumni living in 81 countries throughout the world. With the Class of 2005, the number of living UD alumni is in excess of 130,000.

Leading the alumni procession are this years recipients of the Alumni Associations Warner and Taylor awards, which recognize the outstanding senior woman and man. These graduating seniors are Samantha Foy and William Tisdale.

Opening the ceremony is the presentation of the colors by members of the University of Delaware Air Force and Army ROTC.

On the field are the flags of the 50 states and more than 130 countries that are home to our students, celebrating the role that UD benefactor P.S. du Pont played in establishing the Universitys Junior Year Abroad Program, the first program of its kind in the world. Delaware continues to rank among the top universities with study-abroad programs. Graduates who have participated in study abroad during their undergraduate studies will be asked to stand. They wear special sashes that feature the colors of the flags where they studied.